Chapter XXIII.—Simon Retires.

“But you will say, ‘He knows that there is no other above him, and on this account he cannot be abandoned.’  Thanks, then, to there being no other; but He knows that the state of your mind is one inclined to ingratitude.  But if, knowing you to be ungrateful, He welcomes you, and knowing me to be grateful, He does not receive me, He is inconsiderate, according to your own assertion, and does not act reasonably.  And thus, Simon, you are not aware that you are the servant of wickedness.”  And Simon answered:  “Whence, then, has evil arisen? tell us.”  And Peter said:  “Since to-day you were the first to go out, and you declared that you would not in future listen to me as being a blasphemer, come to-morrow, if indeed you wish to learn, and I shall explain the matter to you, and I will permit you to ask me any questions you like, without any dispute.”  And Simon said:  “I shall do as shall seem good to me.”  And saying this, he went away.  Now, none of those who entered along with him went out along with him; but, falling at Peter’s feet, they begged that they might be pardoned for having been carried away with Simon, and on repenting, to be welcomed.  But Peter, admitting those persons who repented, and the rest of the multitudes, laid his hands upon them, praying, and healing those who were sick amongst them; and thus dismissing them, he urged them to return early about dawn.  And saying this, and going in with his intimate friends, he made the usual preparations for immediate repose, for it was now evening.